12

H.—2o

Since I have taken over charge considerable alterations to this prison have been carried out, as follows: The old separate cells have been pulled down to make more room in the trial yard. An extra room has been fitted up and made into another office, so as to cope with the extra work. Two windows in the new wing have been altered to slide up and down to allow ventilation; also the bars of these two windows have been made into iron gates, so as to make a means of exit in case of fire in the south wing. Until this was done there was no way of getting the prisoners out of the new wing if a fire occurred in the old south wing. The following buildings have been erected since April last: New quarters for the officers, with kitchen and store-room; also new kitchen and store-room for female division. A new receiving and discharging room., and also a division to accommodate eighteen prisoners, has been added to the buildings. Alterations have been carried out in three warders' cottages, several rooms being built on ; others have been renovated. Fiest Offenders' Probation Act. There were 9 males and 1 female on the Probation Register at the beginning of the year. Ten males were admitted to probation during the year. Three males and 1 female were received on transfer from othei districts. Seven males and 1 female were discharged from probation, having completed their term; six males were transferred to other districts; 3 males failed to comply with the conditions of their probation, and were sentenced to terms of imprisonment; 1 male received permission to leave the Dominion : leaving 5 males and 1 female on the register at the end of the year. S. G. Millington, The Under-Secretary for Justice, Wellington. Gaoler and Probation Officer.